Extra Fudgy Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cosmic Brownies
- Our Nourished Kitchen
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
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Brownies are one of my family's favorite desserts. This brownies recipe checks all the boxes: gluten-free, dairy-free, super-chocolatey, fudgy, and delicious! My kids love those M&M-style candy gems (colored with natural dyes only). To make these gluten free, dairy free brownies extra special we decided that we would make a cosmic brownies recipe with dye free M&Ms. This is an easy 8x8 pan recipe.
Why You'll Love These Extra Fudgy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cosmic Brownies
Quick and Easy: Love low-effort treats? These dairy-free cosmic brownies come together in just over an hour, with the oven doing most of the work so you can step away while they bake.
Fudge-Style Center: The combination of avocado oil and almond flour keeps the interior super dense, rich, and moist for days without ever drying out or turning cakey.
Meal-Prep & Freezer Friendly: These hold up beautifully in the fridge and you can freeze individual slices effortlessly, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for birthday parties, school events, or weeknight desserts.
Dye-Free Candy: Like my Small Batch Chewy Gluten-Free M&M Style Candy Gem Cookies, this recipe uses artificial dye-free candy gems for a fun twist (natural colors only!)
A Note about the Baking Pan:
I have been loving my Clean Ceramic Nonstick 8x8 Square Baking Pan from Our Place. I recently got their 3-piece baking set. This brownie batter cooks really evenly and comes out so clean. I love that this pan works is free from PTFE, PFOA, and BPA, ensuring safe, non-toxic cooking. Check out Shop My Kitchen Essentials for other great gluten-free cooking products and non-toxic kitchenware I use in my home.
An empty square cream-colored baking pan sitting on a light wooden cutting board. Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownie Batter in an 8x8 Baking Dish
Frequently Asked Questions: Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes you can! I find they taste even better the next day after the flavors come together and the dairy-free chocolate frosting completely sets in the fridge. You can bake and frost them 1–2 days before serving. Keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to slice
How do I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Store leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days (if they last that long). Because the frosting is made with vegan butter and almond milk, keeping them chilled ensures the frosting layer stays firm and fudgy.
Can I freeze these cosmic brownies?
Yes, we like do this in our house. Slice the brownies into individual squares and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour. Once solid, wrap each square in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag or tupperware container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Why do I need to let the batter rest before baking?
Gluten-free flours (especially almond flour and starches) absorb liquids at a slower rate than traditional wheat flour. Letting the batter rest for 10–15 minutes allows the flours to fully hydrate, resulting in a smooth, rich texture without grittiness.
Can I substitute the avocado oil?
Refined coconut oil (melted and slightly cooled) is the best 1:1 substitute for avocado oil in this recipe. Avoid unrefined coconut oil as it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How do I cut these brownies into clean squares without making a mess?
For clean bakery-style slices, chill the frosted brownies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife and run it under hot tap water for a few seconds, then wipe it completely dry before making a cut. Wipe the blade clean between every single slice (this method works great and may take some practice).
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Nut-Free Substitutions
Oil Variations
Melted and slightly cooled refined coconut oil is the best 1:1 substitute for avocado oil. Be sure to use refined so it doesn't add a coconut taste.
Topping Options
Swap the dye-free candy gems for dye-free chocolate or rainbow sprinkles, coarse sea salt flakes, or chopped pecans or walnuts
Nut-Free Options
Use 1 cup 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend (increased from ⅔ cup) & add 1/3 cup tapioca starch (to replace the almond flour)
Check out other great gluten-free, dairy free recipes to add to your family's meal rotation:
Flaky & Savory Chicken Pot Pie
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
How to Make These Fudgy Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cosmic Brownies (8x8 recipe)
Ingredients List
Step 1: Prep the Pan
For this recipe I used my 8x8 Non-Stick Ceramic Square Baking Pan from the Our Place Wonder Oven Baker’s Kit. I lightly sprayed the pan with avocado oil (parchment is not needed). If you are using an alternative 8x8 baking pan, line your pan with parchment paper, give the parchment a light spray and leave an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
An empty square cream-colored baking pan sitting on a light wooden cutting board. Spraying cooking oil into a square baking dish to grease the pan.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup cacao powder, 2/3 cup almond flour, 2/3 cup 1-to-1 gluten-free flour, and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt until lump-free.
A mixing bowl with cacao powder, almond flour, 1:1 gluten free flour and salt A mixing bowl with cacao powder, almond flour, 1:1 gluten free flour and salt combined together
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk 4 eggs and 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar for 1–2 minutes until pale and slightly bubbly (this can be done by hand or with a stand mixer). Whisk in 1 cup avocado oil and 4 tsp vanilla extract until emulsified.
Four cracked eggs and organic cane sugar in a large mixing bowl Four cracked eggs and organic cane sugar whipped together in a large mixing bowl Egg and sugar mixture in a large bowl next to vanilla and avocado oil in small white bowls A bowl with the wet ingredients for gluten-free cosmic brownies
Step 4: Combine Batter, Chocolate Chips and Rest
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula then add chocolate chips until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to allow the gluten-free flours to hydrate.
A mixing bowl with dry ingredients and a mixing bowl of wet ingredients for gluten-free brownies A mixing bowl with dry ingredients and wet ingredients for gluten-free brownies Gluten-free cosmic brownie batter in a mixing bowl with a spatula Gluten-free cosmic brownie batter with chocolate chips in a mixing bowl with a spatula Gluten-free cosmic brownie batter combined with chocolate chips in a mixing bowl with a spatula Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownie Batter in an 8x8 Baking Dish
Step 5: Preheat, Bake, and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (no wet batter). Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
Step 6: Whip the Frosting
In a medium bowl using an electric hand mixer (or KitchenAid Stand Mixer which we used for this recipe), beat 1/2 cup softened vegan butter (1 stick) for 1 minute until smooth. Add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tbsp cacao powder, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 4 tbsp almond milk. Beat on low until combined, then increase to medium-high until creamy and spreadable. Add up to 1-2 extra tablespoons of almond milk if needed.
Step 7: Frost, Top, and Slice:
Spread the frosting evenly edge-to-edge over the cooled brownies. Immediately press 1/2 cup dye-free chocolate gems across the top. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to let the frosting set slightly, then slice and enjoy!
UNREAL Milk Chocolate Gems are a great dye-free option and YumEarth Choco Yums are the best if you want dye-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free and gluten-free.
Check out the full recipe below for Extra Fudgy Gluten-Free Dairy Free Cosmic Brownies. I hope you enjoy!
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